Floggings were carried out with the use of the "Cat". The Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research, Vol. XI, p.54. describes a Cat of Nine Tails currently in possession of the Coldstream Guards from the 1812 Era. The specifications are as follows:

Merry Hearts Make Light Days (The War of 1812 Journal of Lt. John LeCouteur, 104th Foot). Donald E. Graves. Carlton University Press, Ottawa, Canada, 1993. P.80.

"On one occasion at Fredericton, a Private of the Light Company had offended deeply. He was condemned to receive three hundred lashes. He was paraded and placed on the Triangle close in Front of the Light Company. He was a stout, active fellow, on bon point. The lash lacerated his back speedily and the blood flowed freely. He stood close in front of me, the inward groan, at each lash, from being stifled, went sufficiently to my heart but, soon after, the Drummer, in swinging his Cat of Nine Tails, switched a quantity of his blood over my Face and Belts. I fainted away like a Sick girl to my own great horror and Confusion but it was not unnatural after all. The Officers laughed at me but the men did not."

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot post attachments in this forum